On October 16, the Syrian Army’s Tiger Forces and the National Defense Forces (NDF) liberated from Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra), Ahrar al-Sham and its allies the strategic city of Ma’ardas in the northern part of Hama province. This has been the biggest success of the pro-government forces since the start of massive counter-offensive in the province.

The militant-controlled city of Souran will become the next target of the army and the NDF.

Both Souran and Ma’ardas are strategically located along the highway between the cities of Homs and Aleppo.